Originally PA to the Technical Director, I began developing technology solutions for business processes and became a solution analyst

Eversheds

Database Developer responsible for developing case management solutions, time recording solutions and knowledge management solutions. I was promoted to Project Manager before leaving

Deloitte

Management consultant at various grades supporting a range of clients to develop technology strategies and to deliver technology programmes

City and County of Swansea Council

Programme Manager for the implementation of an ERP system to replace Finance, HR, Procurement, Payroll, Property Management and reporting solutions

Deloitte

Public Sector Director then Partner. I lead our technology practice for Security & Justice

Current Job

Partner

Company name

Deloitte

I lead technology engagements for public sector clients. I have the privilege of working on some fascinating technology projects that are enabling some of our front line services to improve customer engagement and become properly digitised.

About Me

I became fascinated by technology in school and decided early on that this was a career I wanted to pursue but it was a relatively new discipline and careers advice was difficult to come by. I made it to University but struggled financially and academically so ended up leaving early in debt and with no degree. Starting out as a PA, I developed business software solutions on MS Access and my technology career began.

I now get the opportunity to work on extraordinary projects that make a difference to Public Services across the UK. In any week, I may be working with very senior people who are making strategic decisions about the future of their organisation; equally I will be working with people who are just testing out whether careers in technology or consulting are for them and I get excited about the talented people that will shape our businesses in the future.

Sector

Business, consulting and management

My Career Insights

Dedication, passion and commitment have taken me beyond the boundaries of my early academic outcomes. I have stayed professionally curious throughout my career and have looked for opportunities to stretch. It has often been uncomfortable but always exciting

I don't have any fondness for my time in school. I was painfully shy and struggled to fit in

Important Skills for My Job

Communication and presentation skills are the most important in my job now. I need to help people from a wide variety of professions to understand how they will use technology in the future and I need to be able to distil complex messages into simple logic for people who have limited interest in IT

How I Developed My Skills

Presentations were the thing I hated most. I was painfully shy in school and would try everything to avoid speaking. Through my work in technology I discovered that I had a personality and style that gained people's trust and, over time, my confidence grew until presenting became a strength

What I wanted to do when I was at school

I wanted to become a computer programmer, ideally creating graphics for films and cartoons inspired by a short film made by Pixar. Sadly my school careers advisers didn't really know much about programming so I found my own way

What would I do differently if I started out again?

I'd get my head down on concentrate on getting my qualifications. Overall, I haven't been held back but it would have been easier to get started with a degree. I also wish I'd had more personal confidence throughout my career